THE Brexit farce, far from funny, adds yet another layer to its twists and turns. Just when you thought a character had exited either stage far right or far left, he pops up again. Nigel Farage is reported to be heading up a month’s worth of activities, to be kick-started by a publicity push in English regional papers commencing this week then followed by six rallies.

When Rees-Mogg and his European Research Group failed to produce its long-awaited policy paper last week and could only generate feverish talks about removing Mrs May as PM, there had to be something on offer to the faithful. Some diversionary tactic, something that would gee up the Brexiteers. And this is it: public rallies designed to very publicly rubbish the Chequers plan. If it was funny, I just might crack a smile. In a jam then Labour calls on Brown, Brexiteers call on Farage. But it’s far from being funny.

May insists her way is the only way, which she seems to believe relates to all of us across the country. I fear delusion, as she appears to regard us as some form of subservient supplicants, lowly and at her feet (dazzling, all in white for part of the soft interview with the BBC). She claimed over the weekend to have listened to all and sundry. Really Mrs M? And what did you hear in Northern Ireland, other than the DUP laughing at you all the way to the bank? And us, here? We told you, loud and clear. But so far you don’t listen. Surely one sign of a competent leader is to be able to recognise the need to change, but then a truly great leader can manage and produce change. Still I suppose when you chance being knifed in the back by your fellow workers – and let’s face it, many Tory MPs are being cheered on by noises off up and down the country – you hang in there for dear life.

READ MORE: 'Appalling' secret Tory plot to shut out Scotland in Brexit deal exposed by leak

In all of this, Brexiteers of many political hues and none are pulling themselves apart: continuing internal Tory party warfare over the EU resulting in Brexit whilst competing personalities and personal agendas seem to be fuelling the fires within and between Brexit groups. And during all of this the rUK Government has no functioning opposition! Labour has had its worst summer for how long? Despite the Tory meltdown and Brexiteers’ cross-party dissent, Labour is not regarded by voters as a viable government in waiting.

All in all, the rUK government will speak to governments across Europe, the EU high heid yins and anyone else they can collar. I suppose that means they’re in charge as they rush us headlong into 2019 with statements, claims and counter claims. And that’s frightening, having to place my trust in those who have no regard for Scotland and the wishes of the population as demonstrated in the many elections over the last years.

If I had to trust any politician at the moment, it could only be those who support independence, who work with and pay regard to the grassroots indy movement. Because without us, doing our day job, that 45 won’t move to and stay over 50+ . Out there, day in day out, marching, meeting, putting up stalls, showing films, raising funds, but not shouting in faces, not telling folk how they’re “wrong” and we’re right. Because that’s what Project Fear did and regretfully too many listened. They said independence wouldn’t work , we’d lose our pensions et al that. But let’s be honest, independence won’t be regained tomorrow, no matter how hard we all work. So who want to hear days, weeks of ranting, arguments and counter arguments for and against indy.

Let’s forget all the doom-mongering, let’s not even try to offset it, let them fight amongst themselves. We need to focus on the now, the everyday issues, the lived experience. Talking up the positive, the values, the practices and riches that are Scotland, the future prospects coming from self-governing Scotland will all help to change minds and attitudes.

Selma Rahman
Edinburgh

READ MORE: Deal or no deal on Brexit, the Tories aren't fit for office

THE biggest game of chicken in the world is being played out right now. The little England Mini, with its engine revving, is facing down a European juggernaut, but this is no ordinary game of chicken.

It would be extremely unfair for the juggernaut to move so it sits there engine idling, patiently waiting for the Mini to charge. The driver is high up in the cab reading the Chequers report and chuckling. But the red mist of the Mini driver has blotted out the consequences of ending up being flattened against the Mercedes motif. So who will blink first?

The Merc driver has quite fairly pointed out that he has on board a full 26-tonne load and graphically demonstrates as clearly as he possibly can what will happen when Mini meets Mercedes, but to no avail.

The Mini driver sits there alone without even wearing a seatbelt, abandoned by her gang who have made other arrangements, they’re not so stupid.

Shackled and thrown into the boot lies her two unwilling, troublesome partners. “If I’m going to go down, so are they,” she mutters. The driver of the Mini puts her foot on the clutch and engages first gear and shouts: “Stop whining in the back, we’ll soon see who’ll be worse off.”

Mike Herd
Highland

READ MORE: Tory Brexit Secretary mocked for having too much time on his hands

ONE hesitates to take issue with the redoubtable John Edgar (Letters, September 18), but surely he is judging our PM’s claims (“Our best days are ahead of us”, even with a no deal) somewhat harshly.

We should rather admire her skill at “pulling glib, unsubstantiated, meaningless phrases out of the air”. With her it is an art form.

Isn’t it all we really want these days from our leading politicians, when hard facts would serve only to confuse and depress the masses? As for Philip Hammond, what is he thinking of? This is no time for reality checks.

Only six months now before we move through the Looking Glass, to boldly go into unknown territory, a step into space, the Final Frontier.

What larks!

James Stevenson
Auchterarder

READ MORE: Letters: What would a return to ‘our best days’ look like?​

WITH Police Scotland dropping their investigation into Jo Swinson’s election expenses, the LibDems accuse the SNP of “sour grapes” and “smears” (Police drop investigation into Jo Swinson’s election expenses, September 18). Have they got a point? After all, it’s not as if any high-profile LibDem politician has ever been caught telling bare-faced lies before, is it?

Derek Ball
Bearsden

READ MORE: Police drop investigation into Lib Dem MP Jo Swinson's election expenses​